Live Resin 101: Best Practices for Consumption
The cannabis industry has boomed since the Farm Bill of 2018, with rising demand for high-purity, potent, and safe products. Live resin consumption, a cannabis concentrate extracted from freshly frozen plants, perfectly fits this bill. Its popularity is evident in the surge of live resin cartridge sales, which skyrocketed by 29% in 2021 alone.
What is Live Resin?
Live resin is a flavorful, aromatic, and potent cannabis concentrate created by subjecting freshly frozen cannabis plants to a solvent-based extraction process. The resulting concentrate retains a wider range of cannabinoids and terpenes than traditionally cured flowers, leading to a more well-rounded experience.
Exploring Live Resin Forms
Due to its popularity, brand owners have developed live resin in various forms to capture the market demand. Some of the most well-known live resin forms include:
#1 Live Resin Sauce
Live resin sauce is a derivative composed of both liquid and solid portions. The liquid portion, known as terp oil, is high in terpenes and retains the aroma and flavor of the original cannabis strain. The solid part consists of THCa crystals, or diamonds, which become psychoactive when exposed to heat. This combination makes live resin sauce highly potent.
#2 Live Resin Badder
Live resin badder has a creamy, butter-like consistency. This texture is achieved by an additional step of agitating and whipping during the live resin purging process, resulting in a soft and versatile product. Live resin badder is also known to have an even higher level of terpenes compared to regular live resin.
Unlocking Live Resin’s Potential: Consumption Methods
Once you’ve chosen your live resin form, let’s delve into consumption methods:
#1 Dabbing Live Resin
Dabbing is a conventional method to vaporize live resin and consume it through inhalation. To get started, you’ll need the following equipment:
●Dab rig: A water-pipe-like device specifically designed for dabbing, consisting of a water bowl at one end and a mouthpiece at the other end for inhaling the vaporized live resin.
●Nail: Typically made of quartz, titanium, or ceramic, this component delivers heat to the live resin during the dabbing process.
●Dabber: Available in various shapes like flat-tip and spoon-like tip, this tool scoops up the live resin.
●Carb cap: A cover used to conceal the nail after applying the live resin with the dabber, helping control airflow for uniform vaporization.
●Torch: Usually a butane torch, it provides the heat source for the nail.
The procedure for dabbing is simple. First, fill the rig with water to cover the diffuser. Heat the nail with the butane torch, then apply a small amount of live resin with the dabber. For extra efficient vaporization, cover the nail with a carb cap before inhaling the live resin vapor through the mouthpiece. Once you’re done, clean the nail with a cotton swab or q-tip to prevent residue buildup.
#2 Vaping Live Resin
Vaping is a popular method for consuming live resin due to its convenience and discretion. You can either purchase a vape pen or a dab pen for concentrates. Opt for high-quality vape devices specifically designed to vaporize the thicker consistency of live resin. Our recommendation is the Artrix DabGo™, the first disposable dab pen that is beginner-friendly, requires no maintenance, and is easy to fill with its expanded cannabis concentrate filling space.
Using a vape or dab pen is straightforward. Activate the device, let it heat the live resin contained in the chamber, and enjoy the vapor through the mouthpiece. For a live resin cartridge, simply connect it to a vape battery before use.
#3 Adding Live Resin to Flower
Enhance the flavor and potency of your flower by adding a small amount of live resin to your joints or bowls. However, combustion (burning) can diminish some terpenes, impacting the flavor experience compared to vaping or dabbing.
#4 Live Resin Edibles
Enjoy live resin discreetly through edibles infused with the concentrate. Once ingested, the THC content undergoes decarboxylation in the digestive system before entering the bloodstream.
Live Resin Tips for Beginners: A Guide to a Flavorful Journey
As you embark on your live resin exploration, consider these tips for an optimal experience:
●Start Low, Go Slow: Begin with a small dose (around a rice grain size) to assess your tolerance and maximize benefits. Overconsumption can lead to unpleasant side effects like anxiety, paranoia, nausea, and dizziness.
●Proper Storage is Key: Preserve the flavor and potency of your live resin by storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dark space. Avoid heat and direct sunlight, which can dry, degrade, or accidentally activate the concentrate.
●Temperature Matters: The temperature you expose live resin to significantly affects its flavor and harshness. The ideal range is between 545-570°F. Higher temperatures can cause overheating, leading to terpene loss, reduced flavor, and harsh hits.
●Invest in Quality Equipment: For dabbing, choose equipment specifically designed for thicker concentrates like live resin. Research and read reviews before purchasing your dab rig or vape pen to ensure optimal vaporization.
Live resin offers a world of flavor and potency for cannabis enthusiasts. By understanding its various forms, consumption methods, and essential tips, you can unlock the full potential of this unique concentrate. Explore, experiment responsibly, and savor the rich, flavorful experience live resin has to offer.
